HOOK - DEATH OF MR JOHN STICKLEY Obituary SURREY COMET 1905 It is with sincere regret that we record the death at the age of 72 years of Mr John James Stickley which occurred on Saturday last after an illness of only a few days duration. The deceased was practically a life-long resident in the district, where as a farmer and contractor he made an extensive circle of friends. For some years he had been entrusted with important contracts by the Surbiton Urban District Council. Mr Stickley had the reputation of being one of the best shots in the village. He had a true eye, a steady hand and his aim was deadly and few people in the district knew better than he how to handle a gun. The funeral took place on Tuesday amid every outward manifestation of sorrow in Hook church yard, the service being conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. W.M. Dingwall) who delivered an impressive and appropriate address. The deceased was a regular attendant at the Hook Wesleyan Methodist church and the Rev J Edward Peel (minister of the Surbiton Hill Church) was present with Mr D Rands and Mr G Parfett. The chief mourners were Mr J. Stickley Jun., and Mr C Stickley (sons), Mr M Stickley (brother), Mr A.J. Epps (son-in-law), Mr W Aggas, Mr Percy Stickley, Mr H. Parr and Mr F Harris. Several members of the Parish Church Choir were present and the large group of sympathisers around the grave included Mr F.S. Clayton, Mr S Kavanagh, Mr W Metcalfe, Mr H Ransom, Mr J Balls, Mrs Lawrence sen., Mr Lawrence, Mr A Low, Mr T.H. Moon, Mr H Sayers sen. (Chessington), Mr Jeal sen., Mr Chandler, Mrs Lawrence, Mr A House, Mr G Rice, Mr Whitewick, Mr and Mrs Berkley, Mr W Adams, Mr J Heath sen., Mr C Lidiard, Mr CE Woolnough (Kingston), Mr H Fry, Mr H J Puddick, Mr and Mrs Slaymaker, Mr A Knight, Mr R Archer, Mr C Eades, Mr H Frewin, Mr Watson, Mr T Tarran and Mr H Birkell. The graveside ceremony was interrupted by the severe thunderstorm which broke over the district and those present were compelled to take refuge in the church. Wreaths were sent by the following:-The Widow, Mr and Mrs J Stickley, Mr and Mrs C Stickley, Mr and Mrs Epps, Mr FS Clayton, Mr and Mrs T Tarran, Mr and Mrs Redington, Mr J Farmer, Mr and Mrs Harman, Mr and Mrs Berkley, Mr and Mrs Harris, Mr and Mrs Parr, Mr and Mrs Slaymaker, Mr and Mrs House, Mr G Bird, Mr and Mrs Aggas, Mr and Mrs W Parsons, Mr and Mrs Lawrence, Mr Stickley’s employees and many other friends. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr G Kelsey of the Forge Chessington.